The Jesuit Center for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has observed that the current increase in some food prices is posing a challenge to human development in the country.
In a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today, JCTR says the monthly basic need basket research has shown increased rates of price changes in the recent past.
The research has among other things reflected an increase in the price of mealie meal from K36,300 in January to K41,000 kwacha in February showing an increase of K4,700 kwacha.
Other notable increments are the prices of one kg of dry fish which has increased by K15,800 from K34,400 to K50,200, 2 liters of cooking oil has increased by K4,900 from K18,100 to K23,000 and bread increased by K300 kwacha having an average cost of K3,200.
The research also shows an increase in prices of green vegetables, tomatoes and onions.
JCTR Social Conditions Programme Officer Miniver Chibuye says there are however other non-food human needs that have to be met such as the costs of wash and bath soap, housing, and electricity.
She says when all expenses are added, it gives a total cost of the basic needs basket to K1,870,650.
Ms Chibuye has since called for a holistic approache to national development such as good agricultural practices that will incorporate various economic dimensions.
yeah coz all da moneyis going to LPM for his illness and we zambians are paying the price….next time vote wisely people.
it’s so imoral to see such price increamants when salaries remain the same. How on earth do u expect to develope when the poor zambians are being expected to spend more than twice of what they earn?